I have a lot of hobbies. I probably have too many hobbies honestly. How does one not want to enjoy every possible aspect of the world we live in? It’s tough for me to say no to competition and fun. It comes at the expense of my relationships and my stress level however. Being truthful with myself is not an easy choice.

If I could have it my way, then I would play on three hockey teams, get in some USTA tennis, do more triathlons, get back to cycling regularly, break out the climbing shoes more often and chase my nephew and niece as often as I could. I only get 24 hours in my day to choose wisely from this list among a number of other items that are unmentioned. And I get caught up in trying to shove as many things as I can into that 24 hours. It limits the depth to which I can go in each of these areas. Truth does not ask an easy choice here. So how does one just simply choose? How do I get back to finding beauty in the simple when there is just so much to experience?

Of the Yamas thus far, I struggle the most with this aspect of Asteya.

Stealing from the Future

Mantra – I accept that truth rarely asks the easier choice.

The excess in our bodies, our calendars, our closets, are all signs that we are living as if there is no tomorrow and no one to live here after we are gone. What have you already planned for the rest of this week? How many shirts are in your closet?

Our focus seems to be on what we don’t have or what we might not have in the future, rather than on the abundance right before us.

If we stop long enough to gaze at what is laid out before us, to let the mystery of beauty and the wonder of the seasons sit deeply in our soul, our hearts cannot help but burst forth in thanksgiving and gratitude to life itself. Inborn to this kind of wonder is gratitude for where our life came from and indebtedness to the future.

Our ancestors literally gave their lives to create beauty on the earth and better times for the future. The incredible love stands on. Remembering our ancestors and the mystery that brought us into being is a way to reframe the sacredness of our own lives and the sacredness of the lives that will come after us.